# How to Run Docsify Locally for Offline Access: Complete Setup Guide

> Learn how to run Docsify locally and access documentation offline. Install the CLI and serve your content effortlessly for uninterrupted development.

- Repository: [Microsoft/Web-Dev-For-Beginners](https://github.com/microsoft/Web-Dev-For-Beginners)
- Tags: how-to-guide
- Published: 2026-02-27

---

**Run Docsify locally by installing the CLI with `npm i -g docsify-cli` and executing `docsify serve` from the repository root, which serves the curriculum at `http://localhost:3000` without requiring an internet connection.**

The **microsoft/Web-Dev-For-Beginners** curriculum is built as a collection of Markdown files designed to be served as a documentation site. When you run Docsify locally for offline access, you transform these static files into a fully searchable, navigable learning platform that works without Wi-Fi.

## Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have **Node.js** version 12 or higher installed on your machine. You will also need **Git** to clone the repository and a terminal to execute the CLI commands.

## Step-by-Step Guide to Running Docsify Locally

### 1. Fork and Clone the Repository

First, create your own copy of the curriculum and download it to your local machine.

```bash

# Fork the repo on GitHub first, then clone your fork

git clone https://github.com/<your-username>/Web-Dev-For-Beginners.git
cd Web-Dev-For-Beginners

```

### 2. Install Docsify CLI Globally

Install the **Docsify CLI** tool globally using npm. This package reads the Markdown files directly and builds a single-page site on demand without a build step.

```bash
npm i -g docsify-cli

```

### 3. Serve the Documentation Locally

From the repository’s **root folder**, execute the serve command. Docsify starts a local HTTP server on port 3000 and renders the content dynamically.

```bash
docsify serve

```

Open your browser and navigate to `http://localhost:3000`. You now have a fully functional offline version of the entire curriculum.

## Optional: Generate a PDF for Offline Reading

If you prefer a printable document instead of a local server, the repository includes a built-in script to convert the Docsify site to a single PDF file.

```bash

# Install the PDF conversion dependencies (includes puppeteer)

npm install

# Generate the PDF

node docsifytopdf.js

```

This creates a PDF file in the repository root containing the complete curriculum.

## Key Files in the Repository

Understanding these files helps you navigate the offline setup process:

- **[`README.md`](https://github.com/microsoft/Web-Dev-For-Beginners/blob/main/README.md)** — Contains the primary documentation and the official offline access instructions at lines 200-204 according to the source code.
- **[`docsifytopdf.js`](https://github.com/microsoft/Web-Dev-For-Beginners/blob/main/docsifytopdf.js)** — Helper script that converts the Docsify site to a single PDF for offline reading.
- **[`AGENTS.md`](https://github.com/microsoft/Web-Dev-For-Beginners/blob/main/AGENTS.md)** — Mentions the same `docsify serve` command for quick reference in multiple languages.

## Summary

- **Docsify** converts Markdown to HTML on demand without a build step, making it ideal for offline curriculum access.
- Install the CLI with `npm i -g docsify-cli`, then run `docsify serve` from the repository root to start a local server on port 3000.
- The [`docsifytopdf.js`](https://github.com/microsoft/Web-Dev-For-Beginners/blob/main/docsifytopdf.js) script generates a printable PDF version if you prefer static documents over a local server.
- All instructions are documented in the repository's [`README.md`](https://github.com/microsoft/Web-Dev-For-Beginners/blob/main/README.md) and [`AGENTS.md`](https://github.com/microsoft/Web-Dev-For-Beginners/blob/main/AGENTS.md) files.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Do I need an internet connection to run Docsify locally?

No. Once you have cloned the repository and installed the Docsify CLI, the `docsify serve` command runs entirely offline. The tool serves files directly from your local disk at `http://localhost:3000` without requiring network access.

### What port does Docsify use by default?

By default, Docsify serves the documentation on **port 3000**. You can access the local site by navigating to `http://localhost:3000` in your browser after running the `docsify serve` command from the repository root.

### Can I generate a PDF of the curriculum for offline reading?

Yes. The repository includes a [`docsifytopdf.js`](https://github.com/microsoft/Web-Dev-For-Beginners/blob/main/docsifytopdf.js) script that converts the entire Docsify site into a single PDF file. Run `npm install` to install dependencies including Puppeteer, then execute `node docsifytopdf.js` to generate the document in the repository root.

### Where are the official offline access instructions documented?

The primary instructions are located in the [`README.md`](https://github.com/microsoft/Web-Dev-For-Beginners/blob/main/README.md) file at lines 200-204, according to the source code analysis. Additional quick references appear in [`AGENTS.md`](https://github.com/microsoft/Web-Dev-For-Beginners/blob/main/AGENTS.md), which documents the `docsify serve` command in multiple languages for easy access.